Monday Memos // 98

This week is brought to you by lethargy. It’s been dreary, I’ve had a lot of deadlines, and I might have an underlying cold. Energy is at a low, but behind it all I am very excited for December. Pardon the brevity.

Listening:

"The Magician" by Andy Shauf. Last Monday I went to see Andy play at National Sawdust in Brooklyn. The space wasn’t very big and I stood as front and center as you could get. Just him and his guitar. It was better than I could’ve imagined.

“Car Park” by Fenne Lily. This band opened for Andy and was very enjoyable.

“Hasta La Piel” by Carla Morrison. This song was playing in a restaurant scene on The Romanoffs and I had to figure out what it was.

Reading:

I just bought Abbi Jacobson’s new book I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff. I cannot wait to read it (currently in the middle of Jeffrey Eugenides’ latest collection of short stories).

“From the co-creator and co-star of the hit series Broad City, a "poignant, funny, and beautifully unabashed" (Cheryl Strayed) bestselling essay collection about love, loss, work, comedy, and figuring out who you really are when you thought you already knew.”

Craving:

Lots of OHi Superfood Bars—very nutty, crunchy, seedy things. Lots of tortilla chips and saltine crackers—on a salty kick. Theme: busy, tired, craving crunch.

Wearing:

Black and yellow. Black and maroon. Black and stripes. It was a rainy week with lots of layers and umbrellas. Lots of attempting to dress in clothes as close to pajamas as possible. Of course I saw Anna Wintour in the hallway wearing a beautiful gold and black brocade dress.

Watching:

As someone who devoured the podcast of the same name and subject, I’m curious to see the television adaptation of Dirty John. Such a terrifying story of manipulation. I’ll watch anything with Connie Britton.

Maybe one day when I need something terrible to watch, I came across the description for the movie Slice. “When a pizza delivery driver is murdered on the job, the city searches for someone to blame: ghosts? drug dealers? a disgraced werewolf?” Chance the Rapper and Zazie Beetz are the stars—I do love her.

Treasuring:

December: I’m ready for all the Christmas tree smells and lights and holiday music. I’m ready for getting dressed up and snowy days and roaring fires. I’m ready for tinsel and sequins and a little vacation. I’m ready for birthday cake and squeezing more friends.

Monday Memos // 59

Listening:

"Shelia" by Atlas Sound.

"Cathy's Clown" by The Everly Brothers.

"Kiss" by Scout Niblett (Feat. Will Oldham)

Reading:

When you want to do something that seems unattainable: A Story of a Big Dream and a Single, Small Step.

I love the Smarter Living section of the New York Times. From sleeping to running to hosting a party, they've got some good words/ideas to help out. How To Be Happy.

Poppy! (Illustration by Esther Aarts via nytimes)

Craving:

Roasted squash, pesto on everything, Acme Bread (specifically the Cranberry Whole Wheat Raisin Walnut loaf), peanut butter by the spoonful, and microwaved chocolate mug desserts.

Thanks Mom and Dad for schlepping this from Berkeley! "The natural sugars from the cranberries and raisins make it a great choice for breakfast toast or mildly sweet snacks throughout the day. This bread also sticks to your ribs and keeps you feeling full and well-nourished for hours on end." (image via acmebread)

Wearing:

Back to my old habits, entering and winning giveaways, I received this perfectly funny and quite beautiful pizza pendant necklace from a favorite maker: Yellow Owl Workshop. It definitely speaks to my deep love of pizza. I love wearing it. 

They make so many whimsical designs. I have a cat and terrarium pendant, too. (image via yellowowlworkshop)

Watching:

"Lady Dynamite." Maria Bamford silliness. "Series is based on what Maria has accepted to be 'her life.' The occasionally surreal episodes, refracted across multiple periods of the actor/comedian's life, tell the story of a woman who loses - and then finds - herself." So many outstanding comedians as guest stars. 

"She's Gotta Have It." I've watched several episode of the Netflix tv remake of Spike Lee's movie. It's entertaining, the music is great, there are some thought-provoking elements, and it's a little cheesy. So much of the dialogue is emoted like a spoken word performance. It can be really hilarious and a little cringe-worthy. I'll definitely finish the season.

I've been itching to watch some Christmas comedies like "Elf" or "Home Alone." I think a dose of Will Ferrell is always a good cure for the winter blues. 

Treasuring:

Cold weather. Snow! Boots! Hats! Scarves! Even if it makes my nose run, it's exciting to have some weather other than hot. I'm enjoying the slipper-centric, hot-cocoa-desiring briskness. Plus, it makes the holiday season feel more exciting. To wake up with snowflakes falling was such a treat. My cat has been tucking himself into my blankets at night and it's so sweet and cuddly.

This is my current and future self. (ILLUSTRATION BY KONSTANTIN KAKANIAS via nytimes)